The Siena swimming and diving team will add six new student athletes in the incoming class of 2017. Emily Hovey, Maggie Fletcher, Dory Miller, Colleen McDonough, Katie O’Rourke, and Caroline Powell, have combined to break over eight records in their high schools. It is the second straight year in which Head Coach Paul Kueterman has added six swimmers to an incoming freshman class.

“This class is very exciting because they all work hard and are very goal driven,” Kueterman, who is entering his fourth season said. “They will definitely have an impact in dual meets and in the MAAC Championships. They will help us achieve our team goals and I am very excited for them to join our team and the Siena community.”

Emily Hovey (Newburgh, N.Y.) will be a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy. As a member of the Goldbacks, Hovey is a three-time Section IX champion in the 500 freestyle, as well as being involved in two record breaking races in high school. Hovey contributed to the 200 medley record as well as breaking the 100 breaststroke mark. In her senior season, Hovey also won the 100 breast in the section IX championships with a time of 1:07.69, which would have been the third fastest on this year’s team. Hovey will be the second current Newburgh Free Academy graduate to swim for the Saints, being joined by rising junior Amanda York.

“Emily is a tremendous swimmer,” coach Kueterman said. “She has a very strong club background which will prepare her to be successful at the collegiate level. She is also a versatile swimmer who will be a significant contributor immediately for the team.”

Maggie Fletcher (Fayetteville, N.Y.) is another New York product who will receive her high school diploma from Christian Brothers Academy. In high school, she individually set two program records including the 100 and 200 free. As a member of the relay team, in which one media outlet tabbed them the ‘Fab Four’ she helped contribute to the 200 and 400 free relay records, as well as setting the mark for the 200 medley relay. Fletcher was also a state qualifier in the 50 and 500 free.

“Maggie will be a great addition to our sprinting and middle distance freestyle,” Kueterman said. “She understands the commitment that it takes to be successful and that’s very important. She is ready to work hard in the pool and classroom and will help us move up in the MAAC.”

Dory Miller (Tolland, Conn.) will be the first transfer under coach Kueterman’s reign coming to Loudonville from Florida International University. In high school, Miller was a Junior National Qualifier in the 200 meters backstroke and a Super Sectional Qualifier in five different races. Academically, Miller graduated in the top three percent of her class, elected president of the National Honor Society, and was named a three-time Connecticut Scholar Athlete, while earning the High Academic Excellence Award for Spanish and Marketing.

“I am very happy that Dory will be a member of our team this upcoming year,” Kueterman said. “She is very strong in the backstroke, breaststroke, and IM events. She is very exciting to watch and will push herself to become the best swimmer possible.”

Colleen McDonough (Staten Island, N.Y.), a three-time MVP for the Hilltoppers swimming team, also received the Most Improved Swimmer of the Year award for the Wagner Aquatic Club. A two-time captain in high school, she was a member of two city championship relay teams.

“Colleen will help strengthen our sprint freestyle group,” Kueterman said. “I look for her to thrive in the program and enjoy great success through her swimming career at Siena.”

Katie O’Rourke (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.) qualified for two events in the 2012 Junior Olympics including the 50 and 100 yard freestyle. A captain for the Our Lady of Lourdes Warriors, she also was a part of the Dolphins Swim Club of the Hudson Valley. O’Rourke joins current teammate Kelly Levine as the two graduates from Our Lady of Lourdes.

“Katie displays great character and works hard,” Kueterman said. “She does everything right to prepare for her races and will be a welcomed addition to the Siena community.”

Caroline Powell (Westwood, Mass.) has competed at sectional and states every year since she was in the eighth grade. In 2011, she was awarded the MIAA Award of Excellence and was named her team’s Most Improved Player in 2010. In her senior season, her 400 free relay team broke a tied meet by defeating Notre Dame Academy of Hingham by less than one second. It was the first win over Notre Dame Academy in 20 years.

“Caroline will add depth to our middle distance and distance freestyle,” Kueterman said. “She is very driven to be successful in the pool and I look forward to seeing her progress in the water.

The Saints, currently in their fourth year under coach Kueterman’s tenure, finished seventh in the MAAC for the second straight season. Siena only loses one player from last year’s squad in captain Kaela Bjornberg who graduated with the most team wins than any other swimmer in program history.